India’s military action under Operation Sindoor has taken a decisive turn with the Indian Air Force striking key Pakistani military installations near Karachi, notably at Malir Cantonment. In an official briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that these precision strikes were part of a “measured and calibrated” response to Pakistani aggression following the Pahalgam terror attack. Malir Cantt, a significant military base located around 35 kilometers from Karachi, was targeted along with radar facilities in Lahore and Gujranwala. The radar site in Lahore is believed to have housed Chinese-made HQ-9 systems, reportedly neutralized by Israeli-origin HARPY drones. The operation signals India’s strategic message of zero tolerance towards cross-border terrorism backed by Pakistan’s deep state and affiliated proxy groups.
The Indian Navy also played a central role by deploying carrier battle groups, submarines, and aviation assets to strategic positions just outside Karachi harbour. Vice Admiral AN Pramod stated that these naval forces were in full readiness to strike select maritime and land targets, including the port city itself, keeping Pakistani naval and air forces pinned down close to the coastline. This deterrent naval posture ensured that Pakistan’s response remained restricted and defensive. Operation Sindoor, which lasted just 25 minutes, struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, leading to the elimination of over 100 militants and the destruction of key terror infrastructure. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier emphasized the operation’s surgical precision and its intended message to actors who support terrorism on Indian soil.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting military installations in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan, prompting blackouts and civilian alerts in cities like Chandigarh and Pathankot. India intercepted multiple projectiles while also launching counterattacks that reportedly hit up to 20% of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure, including bases like Rafiqui, Bholari, Chaklala, and Rahim Yar Khan. India claimed to have downed a US-origin F-16 and a Chinese JF-17, countering Pakistan’s false claim of hitting a French Rafale. A ceasefire was brokered with the help of the US administration approximately 100 hours into the conflict. While the ceasefire has largely held, India has warned that any violations will be met with immediate and stronger military retaliation, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi granting full authority for counteraction along the western front.
